Description

Elvenhome Farm and Cottage offer an eco-holiday experience, located close to the historic township of Deloraine.
Hand built and cultivated for over twenty years, we are a Bio-Dynamic farm employing Permaculture design principles in both house and gardens. The farm showcases a diversity of environmentally sustainable living.

Our unique self-contained cottage features bamboo floors and artisan crafted Blackwood windows. There are two bedrooms, comprising of a Queen bed suite and the second having comfortable twin bunks. The separate dining and living areas have a warm and spacious feel. A fully equipped kitchen is stocked with continental breakfast provisions and seasonal farm produce will be available for you to sample.
A sun drenched patio is the perfect place to enjoy magnificent views and bird life.

The farm is nestled into native bushland. The pre-existing clearing of five acres has been transformed into orchards, kitchen gardens, animal runs and structures for the home and visitor accommodation.
A substantial orchard of fruits, nuts and berries, along with a vegetable garden, milking goats and laying hens provide plentiful supplies of produce year round.

Within walking distance you will enjoy activities including swimming, fishing, bush walking and birdwatching. Farm Workshops in sustainable living are available daily. See website for details.

Environmental Initiatives

Elvenhome Farm and cottage have been designed according to an understanding of the need for harmony in the landscape and for the health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants.

By drawing on architectural knowledge of the golden ratio in building design, and using the wisdoms of a feng shui master,the shape of the cottage began to take form. The cottage design allows for the use of recyclable and renewable building materials resourced in a sustainable manner. Local craftsmen and artists have collaborated to bring the vision into reality.

Passive solar design and orientation contribute to a minimal need for heating and cooling systems. Solar energy was used throughout the building process to power all trade tools. It continues to be the main power source for the entire property.

Extensive water harvesting is made possible with large rainwater storage tanks and a spring fed dam to supply all water needs. Composting toilets further reduce water consumption. All waste water is filtered on site for irrigation of perennial tree crops. With this in mind, all soaps, shampoos and detergents are environmentally friendly, as they are distributed back into the farm system.

Hot water needs are provided for by a combustion stove in the main house and an instant gas hot water system in the cottage. Evacuated tubes will be installed in the near future to further reduce energy use and ultimately the carbon footprint .

All recyclable materials are separated and distributed to the local recycling centre. Signage is in place to educate guests about the need for appropriate methods of recycling.

Permaculture principles are incorporated throughout Elvenhome Farm. Importance has been given to the placement and relative location of many elements supporting one another. Available biological resources are used according to the energy cycling principle.
For example, fruit trees produce apples that feed our guests. The apple waste is fed to the chickens and the apple tree prunings are fed to the goats. Both the chickens and goats produce eggs and milk, to nourish our guests, and manure for garden and orchard, therefore the energy cycle continues and forms a closed loop system.

Over twenty years of observing the patterns and cycles of nature within the farm allow for continual improvement in its sustainable permanent agriculture.

Bio-Dynamic practices are used for the health and wellbeing of the animals, plants and humans on Elvenhome Farm. Each season, Bio-Dynamic preparations are applied to enhance the farm system. 'As above, so below,' is a simple understanding of the greater natural forces at play in our everyday lives.

The cottage is one component of the whole farm. It was primarily built for guests with a thirst for learning about an ecologically sustainable lifestyle. A series of structured workshops are available to guests while staying at Elvenhome farm. These include:

Farm Tour
A farm walk that demonstrates the Bio-Dynamic and permaculture design features of Elvenhome farm.

Growing Healthy Vegetables
Seasonal selections, crop rotation, companion planting and other ways to get the best out of your kitchen garden.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jayce from
What a great place to enjoy nature!Host Graham was great in showing my family the farm and surrounds. We will remember the walk around the apple orchard, being with the cow, the goat and yes, not forgetting the tree house which my four children spent most of the time in. The sweetness of the green peas freshly harvested will never escape our minds. The walk up the hilltop to the neighbours' place was rewarded with the best 360 degree view with the sunset to seal the memory. Thank you for your wonderful place in Tazzie!

Date published: 2015-02-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Sarah from
We loved staying at Elvenhome Farm. It is beautifully furnished and designed and set amongst stunning landscape. The kids loved the chickens, Clover and Lucky! Graham was a wonderful host, we all had a beautiful relaxing holiday and we look forward to returning.

Date published: 2013-11-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Vanessa from
Location was very convenient for northern tassie day trips, peaceful, pleasant rural and bush outlook, nearby river had platypus. Comfortable house, good amenities, fine hospitality, including berries from the garden and jams.

Date published: 2013-01-12

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Marin from
Our stay at Elvenhome was ideal. Really beautiful elegant cottage and such a peaceful setting. The kids adored the cubby and that freed us up to enjoy the place even more! Graham is such a great host - really friendly and happy to share his experience and knowledge - and for us rural beginners it was very inspiring. Thanks for a great stay. x Marin

Date published: 2012-05-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jess and Matt from
Fantastic! So peaceful and relaxing. Lovely cottage and wonderful host, Graham. Great spot for exploring the area. Kids loved the animals, especially Clover and Lucky! Thankyou.